Which place is cheaper, Kailua-Kona or Chattanooga?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Where Should I go: Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona?
Chattanooga
Located on the Tennessee River near the border of the U.S. state of Georgia, Chattanooga is Tennessee's fourth largest city and a major transportation hub. The city has received national recognition for the renaissance of its once dilapidated downtown and redevelopment of its riverfront, including the restoration of the historic Walnut Street Bridge.
Kailua-Kona
Kailua-Kona, often simply called Kona, is a vibrant seaside town located on the west coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and laid-back atmosphere, Kona offers travelers an appealing mix of natural beauty and Hawaiian culture. The town is famous for its historic waterfront, local coffee farms, and as the gateway to many of the island’s unique adventures. Despite its popularity, Kailua-Kona remains more relaxed and less crowded than some of Hawaii’s other tourist hubs. Beach lovers, water sports enthusiasts, history buffs, and foodies will all find plenty to enjoy here. With a mix of affordable accommodations, local eateries, and free or inexpensive attractions, it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The nearby volcanic landscapes, snorkeling spots, and lively marketplaces make it an excellent base for exploring the west side of the Big Island.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America, The Best Historical Tours in United States of America, The Best 10-Day Tours in United States of America, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United States of America.
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Chattanooga Prices
USA PricesKailua-Kona Prices
USA Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayChattanooga $225Kailua-Kona $274
The average daily cost (per person) in Chattanooga is $225, while the average daily cost in Kailua-Kona is $274. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Chattanooga and Kailua-Kona in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personChattanooga $92Kailua-Kona $141
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomChattanooga $184Kailua-Kona $282
Compare Hotels in Chattanooga and Kailua-Kona
Looking for a hotel in Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Chattanooga Hotel Prices and Kailua-Kona Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Chattanooga $35Kailua-Kona $45
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Chattanooga
Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Chattanooga:
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Chattanooga Zoo (for 2)$16
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Chattanooga
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Chattanooga:
- Private One Way Transfer from/to Chattanooga Airport and Hotels: $185
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Rental Car for One Day$35
Is it cheaper to fly into Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona?
Prices for flights to both Kailua-Kona and Chattanooga change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayChattanooga $103Kailua-Kona $100
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Chattanooga
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Chattanooga.
- Historic Southside Food Tour in Chattanooga: $99
- Downtown Chattanooga Food Tour: $119
- ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
- ChattaBrunch Food Tour: $119
- Southside Food Tour with Lunch: $129
- Downtown Food Tour with 3-4 Tastings: $139
Typical Food Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of dining costs in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Buffet Breakfast for Two$53
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Chattanooga $52Kailua-Kona $40
Tours and Activities in Chattanooga
Here are a few actual costs in Chattanooga for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- Chattanooga Blues to Bridges Self Guided Walking Tour: $9.75
- National Medal of Honor Heritage Museum Admission Ticket in Chattanooga: $14
- Guided Ghost Walking Tour: $23
- Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $24
- Original Local Award-Winning Walking Ghost Tour: $25
- Murder & Mayhem Haunted History Walking Tour: $25
- A Spooky and Family-Friendly Walking Tour: $30
- Family Friendly Ghost Tour in Chattanooga: $30
- Ghost & Booze Tour of Chattanooga - 21+ Over: $31
- Chattanooga Crypts and Chills Ghost Tour: $32
- The Flash City Sightseeing Tour by Trolley: $34
- The Flash: 1 Hour City Tour : $34
Typical Entertainment Prices in Kailua-Kona
Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Kailua-Kona are as follows:
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Diving with Manta Rays for Two$162
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Body Board Rental (1 Day)$12
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1 Day Kayak Rental$47
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2 Tank Morning Scuba Dive$115
Tours and Activities in Kailua-Kona
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Kailua-Kona are as follows:
- From Kona: Volcano & Waterfall Tour, Small Group: $295
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayChattanooga $24Kailua-Kona $15
Sample the Local Flavors in Chattanooga
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Chattanooga:
- Distillery Tour at Gate 11: $18
- Chattanooga Wine Tasting with Art Sightseeing Tour: $180
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Chattanooga and Kailua-Kona, we can see that Kailua-Kona is more expensive. And not only is Chattanooga much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Chattanooga would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Chattanooga and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Kailua-Kona would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kailua-Kona than you might in Chattanooga.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Chattanooga Expensive? and Is Kailua-Kona Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona?
Chattanooga has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kailua-Kona. When comparing the sizes of Chattanooga and Kailua-Kona, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
When is the best time to visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona?
Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.
Should I visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona in the Summer?
The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Chattanooga and Kailua-Kona. Many travelers come to Chattanooga for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.
In the summer, Chattanooga is around the same temperature as Kailua-Kona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Chattanooga in July average around 81°F (27°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 78°F (25°C).
In Chattanooga, it's very sunny this time of the year. Chattanooga usually receives more sunshine than Kailua-Kona during summer. Chattanooga gets 265 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 169 hours of full sun in the summer.
Chattanooga gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 5.2 inches (131 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 2.3 inches (58 mm) of rain each month for the summer.
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Summer Average Temperatures JulyChattanooga 81°F (27°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (25°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona in the Autumn?
The autumn brings many poeple to Chattanooga as well as Kailua-Kona. Many visitors come to Chattanooga in the autumn for the hiking trails and the shopping scene.
In October, Chattanooga is generally much colder than Kailua-Kona. Daily temperatures in Chattanooga average around 63°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 78°F (26°C).
People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Chattanooga this time of the year. In the autumn, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 211 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 138 hours of full sun.
Chattanooga usually gets more rain in October than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 3 inches (75 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 1.6 inches (41 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Autumn Average Temperatures OctoberChattanooga 63°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 78°F (26°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona in the Winter?
Both Kailua-Kona and Chattanooga are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Chattanooga for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.
Chattanooga can be very cold during winter. Chattanooga is much colder than Kailua-Kona in the winter. The daily temperature in Chattanooga averages around 40°F (5°C) in January, and Kailua-Kona fluctuates around 74°F (23°C).
Chattanooga usually receives less sunshine than Kailua-Kona during winter. Chattanooga gets 145 hours of sunny skies, while Kailua-Kona receives 158 hours of full sun in the winter.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Kailua-Kona. It's quite rainy in Chattanooga. In January, Chattanooga usually receives more rain than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 5.4 inches (137 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3.9 inches (100 mm) of rain each month for the winter.
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Winter Average Temperatures JanuaryChattanooga 40°F (5°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (23°C)
Should I visit Chattanooga or Kailua-Kona in the Spring?
Both Kailua-Kona and Chattanooga during the spring are popular places to visit.
In the spring, Chattanooga is cooler than Kailua-Kona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Chattanooga in April average around 62°F (17°C), and Kailua-Kona averages at about 74°F (24°C).
It's quite sunny in Chattanooga. In the spring, Chattanooga often gets more sunshine than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kailua-Kona receives 134 hours of full sun.
It rains a lot this time of the year in Chattanooga. Chattanooga usually gets more rain in April than Kailua-Kona. Chattanooga gets 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain, while Kailua-Kona receives 3 inches (76 mm) of rain this time of the year.
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Spring Average Temperatures AprilChattanooga 62°F (17°C)Kailua-Kona 74°F (24°C)
Typical Weather for Kailua-Kona and Chattanooga
| Chattanooga | Kailua-Kona | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
| Jan | 40°F (5°C) | 5.4 inches (137 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) |
| Feb | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (132 mm) | 73°F (23°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) |
| Mar | 53°F (12°C) | 5.6 inches (143 mm) | 74°F (23°C) | 4.4 inches (111 mm) |
| Apr | 62°F (17°C) | 4.4 inches (112 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3 inches (76 mm) |
| May | 70°F (21°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) | 76°F (24°C) | 1.6 inches (40 mm) |
| Jun | 78°F (25°C) | 3.7 inches (93 mm) | 77°F (25°C) | 1.8 inches (47 mm) |
| Jul | 81°F (27°C) | 5.2 inches (131 mm) | 78°F (25°C) | 2.3 inches (58 mm) |
| Aug | 80°F (27°C) | 3.2 inches (82 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.9 inches (49 mm) |
| Sep | 74°F (24°C) | 3.7 inches (94 mm) | 79°F (26°C) | 1.1 inches (29 mm) |
| Oct | 63°F (17°C) | 3 inches (75 mm) | 78°F (26°C) | 1.6 inches (41 mm) |
| Nov | 53°F (12°C) | 3.9 inches (100 mm) | 76°F (25°C) | 3.3 inches (85 mm) |
| Dec | 44°F (7°C) | 5.2 inches (133 mm) | 74°F (24°C) | 3.4 inches (87 mm) |
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.